Immigration

Effective 1 June, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will expand the eVisa eligible country list and extend visa exemptions and multiple-entry visas.

Nationals of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka will be added to the eligible country list to apply for an eVisa online. Effective June 1st, eligible nationals will need to obtain pre-approval from the Taiwan External Trade Development Council. The eVisa offers a non-extendable 30 day single entry stay for tourists and business visitors.

Brunei and Thailand nationals will have their visa-exempt status extended through 31 July 2018. Philippines nationals will have a visa-exempt status for one year, initially through 31 May 2018.

Effective 1 June, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam nationals will be able to apply for a two-year multiple entry visa through the online portal of the National Immigration Agency.

In order to qualify for a two-year multiple entry visa, applicants must:

have been issued a Taiwanese visa (excluding labor visa) in the past 10 years;

have no record of violating local laws;

hold a valid entry visa or permanent resident card issued by Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Schengen Area countries, the United Kingdom or the United States; and

have no record of being employed in Taiwan as blue collar workers.

Foreign nationals seeking a multiple-entry visa must apply online for a Travel Authorization Certificate online, which is a conditional visa exemption program that typically permits a stay of up to 30 days.

How does this affect the client?

The eligible foreign nationals should benefit from a more streamlined entry process.